Louis insists show boss Simon Cowell has assured him his job is safe for another series of the ITV reality show - which is facing a format shake up ahead of the new series, with the Bootcamp segment facing the chop.

Louis, 65, tells the Mirror: “I have a signed, water-tight contract, as has Sharon Osbourne. Of course you’ll see us back on the show.

“Sharon and I have a three year contract, and we’ve only done two, so this will be our third year. Simon doesn’t break contracts.”

Louis says he and Sharon will return - but Nicole is unlikely (Image: ITV)

Nicole Scherzinger, 39, is unlikely to return, as her contract expired after last season.

Louis adds: “If Nicole’s not back, I’m going to miss her. She’s the best - I love and adore her.”

Cheryl Tweedy, 34, has been suggested to return to the show to replace Nicole on the upcoming story.

Louis, who has been axed and reinstated on the panel twice before, spoke to Simon, 58, who he says assures him he will be back for the new series - which producers are looking at overhauling to freshen up the format.

Sharon Osbourne is going nowhere (Image: Getty)

A source at the ITV series said: “There’s a strong chance Bootcamp will be axed this year.

“Since Six Chair Challenge was introduced in 2013, it has almost superseded the need for Bootcamp.

“Bosses love the nail-biting drama of Six Chair, and are toying with the idea of skipping straight to it from the audition stages. They’re debating at the moment how the new format could work for the contestants.

“Once the running order is confirmed, they will be able to lock in the judges for the next series, as until then, it’s not known what dates everyone will be required on set.”

Previously, bosses looked at dropping the Sunday night episodes of the series, however sources say they have reverse ferreted and are hoping to keep episodes across both days of the weekend.

Bookies William Hill have offered odds on Robbie Williams joining the panel at 5/2, and Cheryl’s boyfriend Liam Payne at 20/1. Former X Factor panellist Mel B and One Direction star Louis Tomlinson are both 4/1.